What type of gas is used in car air conditioning?

In most cars that are on the road today, R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

Table of Contents

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

refrigerant makes the A/C system blow cold on hot days. Selected for its low flammability and safety, as well as because it’s kinder to the environment, almost every car built since 1994 is equipped with R134 refrigerant.

How do I know if my car is R-12 or R134a?

To tell if it has been converted you can look for a sticker on the unit under the hood, which would indicate that it is R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

. And you can also look for R134a adapters, which would be located on the charge parts.

Do all cars use R134a?

R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Between 1995 and 2021

The majority of vehicles on the road today use R134a to fuel their air conditioning systems.

Why R134a is not used in AC?

R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone

systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12

R12
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is a colorless gas usually sold under the brand name Freon-12, and a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane (CFC) used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Dichlorodifluoromethane

Dichlorodifluoromethane – Wikipedia

, which can cause compressor seals to leak. Bottom line, R134a simply doesn’t cool as well as R12. In addition, there was the lubricant issue. Because A/C compressors have moving parts, they require oil.

What type of gas is used in car air conditioning? – Related Questions

Which is better R32 or R134a?

The discharge pressure of R32 was the highest with average value of 8.1 and 7.2% higher than those of R152a and R134a respectively. (iv) R152a offers lowest energy consumption. The compressor consumes 4.0% and 3.2% less energy when R152a was used than when R134a and R32 were used in the system, respectively.

What can I use instead of R134a?

There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a

R-134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

: R-1234yf

R-1234yf
2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene, HFO-1234yf, is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) with the formula CH2=CFCF3. It is also designated R-1234yf as the first of a new class of refrigerants: it is marketed under the name Opteon YF by Chemours and as Solstice YF by Honeywell. 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene. Names. Preferred IUPAC name.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene

2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene – Wikipedia

, R-152a, and R-744. More on these replacements later.

Can I use R134a in my home AC?

R134

R134
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

was specifically designed to replace R12 used in smaller air conditioning units, such as those used in vehicles. R134 is also used in home appliances, mobile refrigeration units and stationary commercial units, such as cold cases in grocery stores.

Which is better R134a or R410A?

Non-dimensional analysis shows that the inertia of R410A is higher than that of R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

, with the following results: (1) at low qualities (churn flow), more liquid R410A reaches the top tubes, so R410A distribution is a little better than R134a; (2) at high qualities (semi-annular flow), more bottom tubes are bypassed by

Can you use 134A in a 410A system?

The United States explicitly prohibit the use of R410A and R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone

refrigerant.

Can I use R134a instead of R22?

Alternative refrigerants

A few popular R22 alternatives are R410A, R134A

R134A
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

, R407C

R407C
R-407C is a mixture of hydrofluorocarbons used as a refrigerant. It is a zeotropic blend of difluoromethane (R-32), pentafluoroethane (R-125), and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a). Difluoromethane serves to provide the heat capacity, pentafluoroethane decreases flammability, tetrafluoroethane reduces pressure.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki

R-407C – Wikipedia

, R407A, MO99, and RS-44b. This type of refrigerant is safe for the environment, affordable, and easy to store, use, and transport.

What happens if you mix R134a and r1234yf?

The mixing of R-134a

R-134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

with R-1234yf

R-1234yf
2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene, HFO-1234yf, is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) with the formula CH2=CFCF3. It is also designated R-1234yf as the first of a new class of refrigerants: it is marketed under the name Opteon YF by Chemours and as Solstice YF by Honeywell. 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene. Names. Preferred IUPAC name.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene

2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene – Wikipedia

will change refrigerant pressure and may result in evaporator freeze-up on pressure control systems, reducing system airflow.

What is the difference between R134 and R134a?

Here “a” is used to denote that it is an isomer. R134

R134
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

and R134a have same chemical formula and atomic weight but different chemical structures. R134 has NBP of about -19 C whereas R134a has a NBP of about -26C.

Why do we now use R134a refrigerant?

R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

has zero Ozone layer depleting properties and hence became popular as an ideal replacement for dichlorodifluoromethane

dichlorodifluoromethane
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is a colorless gas usually sold under the brand name Freon-12, and a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane (CFC) used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant.

(R-12), which was known to have an adverse impact on the Ozone layer. x. R134a has negligible acidification potential.

What year did cars stop using 134a?

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed that the use of HFC-134a

HFC-134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

(R-134a) as a refrigerant in passenger cars and light trucks should come to an end in the year 2021.

When did cars stop using 134a?

After the freon used in A/C units was blamed for depleting the ozone layer, automakers were required to switch from R12 to the less harmful R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

refrigerant by 1996.

What happens if you mix R12 and R134a?

R134a

R134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

systems work at higher discharge-side pressures than R12

R12
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is a colorless gas usually sold under the brand name Freon-12, and a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane (CFC) used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Dichlorodifluoromethane

Dichlorodifluoromethane – Wikipedia

systems, which could lead to compressor seals leaks. Additionally, since R134a is composed of much smaller molecules, it has a greater chance of leaking from an R12 system.

Can you still buy R12 freon for cars?

It is illegal to manufacture new R12

R12
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is a colorless gas usually sold under the brand name Freon-12, and a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane (CFC) used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Dichlorodifluoromethane

Dichlorodifluoromethane – Wikipedia

, but it is not illegal to sell or use R12. And many of the cylinders and cans of Freon R-12 sold for decades throughout the United States are still around.

Do I need to add oil when recharging AC?

The best way to ensure the long life of your AC compressor is to ensure that you add adequate oil any time you add refrigerant to your system.

How do I switch from R12 to R134a?

How to Convert Car AC R12 to R134a
  1. Discard R12. Before you do anything else, you need to pump out the R12 refrigerant that is currently in the system.
  2. Retrofit the System. You must add new fittings to both the low and high side service ports on the AC system.
  3. Hook up Gauges.
  4. Pump in R134a Refrigerant.

Why did R134a replace R12?

R12

R12
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is a colorless gas usually sold under the brand name Freon-12, and a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane (CFC) used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Dichlorodifluoromethane

Dichlorodifluoromethane – Wikipedia

contains CFCs like hairspray once did, that is potentially damaging to the ozone layer. It was banned because of this potential environmental risk and replaced by 134a

134a
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane – Wikipedia

because 134a, using synthetic oil over mineral oil, does not have as much of a negative environmental impact that R12 does.

About the author

William Getty - author at SyUkCars
Website | My latest articles

William Getty lives and breathes cars. He started driving cars as a 12 year old on the racetrack with his dad. Since then cars has always been a big part of Williams life.

In his garage you can find his beloved 2005 Ford Mustang, as well as a 2020 Audi A3.

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